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Film highlights Mongolia's health challenges

Landlocked Mongolia is in the midst of unbridled growth and a mining boom, yet it is also at the crossroads of health which could well decide its future trajectory.

Rapid economic growth is turning the sleepy capital of Ulan Bator into a modern metropolis of high rises and fast cars but at the same time Mongolia is seeing a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including heart disease, diabetes, mental illness and cancers.

The rapid transition to a capitalist economy and the influx of foreign processed foods is leading to massive changes in lifestyle and diets.

Australian doctor and Harvard Fellow, Alessandro Demaio, says some of those changes are fuelling the rise of NCDs.

"[It] is leading to a rapid rise in these type of diseases and also the risk factors in such things as child obesity," he said.

Dr Demaio says unless something is done to address cardio vascular diseases, the leading cause of death in the country, their frequency could double in the next 30 years.

In an attempt to present the challenges these developments are having on health, to both the public and politicians, Dr Demaio is producing a film with NCD Free, a global social movement fighting NCDs.

Using new media and social platforms like film, facebook and twitter Dr Demaio is also trying "to connect with a new generation and try to bring a call to action on this issue."

His film focuses on an inspiring young Mongolian trainee cardiologist who addresses other related problems like poverty and lack of oppurtunities in the treatment of cardio vascular diseases.

The film will be shown in the US and also at the Melbourne festival of ideas in November.

Dr Demaio belives the film carries a message that is applicable to all developing countries in the midst of rapid development.

He says the film debunks the long held belief that NCDs are diseases people bring upon themselves and are due to affluence and laziness.